Shloka 1.62.19

शुनश्शेफरक्षा–विश्वामित्रशापः (Sunassepha’s Rescue and Visvamitra’s Curse)

Devanagari script

पवित्रपाशैरासक्तो रक्तमाल्यानुलेपन:।वैष्णवं यूपमासाद्य वाग्भिरग्निमुदाहर ।।।।

Transliteration

pavitra-pāśair āsakto rakta-mālyānulepanaḥ | vaiṣṇavaṃ yūpam āsādya vāgbhir agnim udāhara ||

Translation

Bound with sacred cords, and anointed and garlanded in red, go to the Vaiṣṇava sacrificial post; there invoke Agni with these hymns.

Context

"Bedaubing your person with red sandal paste and adorned with red garlands, you willbe bound to a Vaishnava, sacrificial post with sacred ropes. There invoke Agni with these hymns.

Characters & Entities

• Viśvāmitra
• Śunaḥśepa
• Agni
• Vaiṣṇava yūpa (sacrificial post)
• pavitra-pāśa (sacred cords)

FAQs

What is the core ethical principle (Dharma) in this verse?

Dharma here is ritual integrity: right action in a yajña, performed with correct preparation and truthful, effective mantra-recitation.

What is the narrative situation?

Viśvāmitra gives Śunaḥśepa practical instructions for the sacrificial setting—how to approach the post and invoke Agni.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Guidance and guardianship: the sage uses knowledge to protect a vulnerable person through dharmic means.